Framing Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

Framer use a lot of tools. You’ve got compressors and nailers, but you also have hammers, squares, miter saws, and tables saws. Then there’s the complement of other hand tools like tape measures, pencils, and chalk reels. Framers are our go-to guys of general construction tool reviews. They’ve touched it all. This crew loves jumping into a tape measure comparison or the discovering the best tool belt rig. And of course they helped us find the best framing hammer (hint: that award might land on the Stiletto 12oz titanium remodeler). Framing Tool Reviews at the Jobsite Many of our framing tool reviews take place on the jobsite. We can’t think of a better place to test tools. These are the guys who get to discover the best cordless reciprocating saw. They play with tools like the DeWalt DWF83PT framing nailer and the cordless equivalent, the DeWalt 20V Max framing nailer. If it involves cutting or fastening lumber, this section should have you covered.

Bosch Full Force Technology finish nailer

Bosch Full Force Technology Pneumatic Nailers

Bosch moves into the area of pneumatics with the introduction of their Full Force Nailers. Theses nailers are a ground up fresh design that utilizes new Bosch technology that makes the tools 10% more powerful and 20% smaller. Along with the new nailers will come a line of matching air compressors.

Grip Rite GRTCH350 framing nailer

Grip Rite GRTCH350 Framing Nailer

Most of us know the name Grip Rite from their screws and nails but they also have a extensive line of common and specialty nail guns of which the 33 Deg clipped Head Framing Nailer GRTCH350 is going to be a new member soon.

Tiger Claw Semi-automatic Air Fastener

Tiger Claw Air Screw Nailer for Groove Fasteners

At the 2009 IBS, Tiger Claw debuted a new “semi-automatic” installation tool that dramatically reduces the installation time for Tiger Claw’s groove fasteners. To work it, you simply slip the hidden deck fastener into the nose of the gun and position it in the groove of the board with the gun flat against the supporting joist. The gun automatically enables perfect positioning of fastener and screw installation with the pull of a trigger.

Stiletto Titanium Pry Bars

Stiletto Titanium Flat Bars

Stiletto is getting ready to launch a new line of high-performance, super lightweight, titanium pry bars. These Stiletto Titanium Flat Bars combine […]

Iron Dog Tool Gear

Iron Dog Tool Gear

Iron Dog Tool Gear offer amazing quality and a unique ability to set up your work belt rig the way you want it. With their Versa Clip system, you can configure your gear on the move using the many clip points located on the belt and the bags. Beyond the ability to configure your tool belt, you can now actually get the right size and type of pouch you need. With a vast array of sizes, styles, and tool specific pouches and holders you now will be able to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

Hitachi NT65MA3 15 gauge nailer

Hitachi NT65MA3 15 Gauge Finish Nailer Review

With a nifty color scheme and futuristic styling, the Hitachi NT65MA3 2 1/2-Inch 15 Gauge Finish Nailer has the good looks to back up its strong performance and fancy features. With the 34 degree nail magazine, you will be able to get the head of this nail gun into the tightest corners. Don’t let its light weight of 4.4 lbs fool you either because it packs enough power to drive 2-1/2” finish nails into almost any material.

Hitachi EC119SA air compressor

Hitachi EC119SA Air Compressor Review

The Hitachi EC119SA 4-Gallon Twin-Stack Air Compressor comes with many big compressor features in a compact and portable unit. With class leading power, this unit is ready for action. Featuring a powerful 2.5 HP induction motor that runs at 15 Amps which is coupled to a cast pump iron cylinder that has oversized bearing and is oil lubed.

Ridgid MS1290LZA miter saw

Ridgid MS1290LZA Miter Saw Review

While other miter saws are playing at being tough, the Ridgid MS1290LZA 12-inch sliding compound miter saw takes a different approach. In fact, it takes the competition to task – with just the right blend of features and finesse. Case in point: show me another miter saw whose miter adjustments can be made with your pinky finger? Can’t find any? Welcome to Ridgid.

Hitachi C7SB2 Circular Saw cutting

Hitachi C7SB2 Circular Saw Review

The Hitachi C7SB2 7-1/4 inch 15 amp circular saw is a workhorse product which can be found for a very reasonable price if you look hard enough. Its clean lines, comfortable feel, and powerful motor make it a decent saw for cutting, but clumsy depth and bevel adjustments give it at least some areas of improvement. This tool will do well in any handyman’s kit and some professionals may even find its lightweight styling is worth a second look.

Vaughan super bar

Vaughan Super Bar B215 Pry Bar

Vaughan tools are made in the USA and their XL Superbar 21″ pry bar is among the most versatile and useful tools you’ll ever come across. It’s useful for tighter applications that don’t require brute force or an inflexible pry bar. Its integrated nail puller and “shepherd’s crook” rocker make it a great tool for demo and removing and replacing trim. If you don’t have one of these, stop reading and go buy it… We’ll wait.